BBC SPORT | Cricket | One-day rule changes introduced

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Saturday, 29 September 2007, 13:39 GMT 14:39 UK

One-day rule changes introduced

Albie Morkel bowls a no-ball, signalled by umpire Billy Doctrove

The International Cricket Council has announced a series of one-day rule changes with immediate effect.

Free-hits have been introduced for front-foot no-balls, along with a mandatory change of match ball at the start of the 35th over of each innings.

The changes were due to come into effect on 1 October, but were brought forward to avoid mid-series confusion.

India's matches against Australia and England's series against Sri Lanka will be played under the new regulations.

The other most notable changes are:

An additional fielder will be permitted outside the fielding inner circle during the second or third powerplays

If the number of overs in an innings has been reduced, the number of overs making up each of the three powerplays will also be proportionately reduced

Boundaries square of the wicket must be a minimum of 150 yards (137.16m) (previously 140 yards) with the minimum on one side of 65 yards (59.44m) and straight boundaries must be a minimum of 70 yards (64m) (previously 60 yards)

The match referee has the final say in awarding a match to a side in the event of the other side refusing to play

Umpires can impose time-wasting penalties if a new batsman is not ready to face his first delivery within two minutes of the fall of the previous wicket

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